What are the sedation options for my child?
Important facts about sedation dentistry for your kiddos:
Children who may experience a high level of anxiety may require some level of sedation in order for the dentist to perform the necessary treatment. Sedation can also be helpful for children with special needs. No worries! At Kidiatric, we offer a variety of treatment solutions to give your child’s a positive, comfortable and successful experience! Learn more about the following options available.
Nitrous Oxide
Based on the scale of the treatment and the child’s level of anxiety, the doctor may recommend using nitrous oxide to minimize fear and enhance communication between the doctor and your child. Minimizing the amount of perceived pain and anxiety can help expedite the delivery of dental procedures that are not particularly uncomfortable, but require that the patient stay still for the length of the procedure. Nitrous oxide is a safe alternative for your child with little to no side effects.
Conscious Sedation
Given to your child in a liquid form before treatment, this option is ideal for a child with higher levels of anxiety and for lengthier procedures. Your child will remain conscious but the medication will cause them to feel very calm and a bit drowsy during their treatment. We’ve had cases where they’ve even fallen asleep! Please note that it can take some time for the effects of conscious sedation to wear off, so make sure your child gets ample rest after their treatment is over.
Why we may recommend conscious sedation:
- To guard and care for our patient’s safety
- To minimize any physical discomfort
- To control and soothe any anxiety
- To minimize psychological trauma
- To allow for a safe and unimpaired completion of the dental procedure
We also offer general anesthesia for children who are especially anxious or who may need to undergo extensive dental work. If your child needs general anesthesia, you will be provided with a list of instructions before your child's appointment.
What you should know prior to your child’s sedation appointment.
If your child is scheduled for a sedation appointment, please follow these important guidelines:
- Make sure our office is aware of your child’s complete medical history, including any recent updates, medications taken, etc.
- If your child has a cold or fever, please reschedule the appointment. It is important that your child is in a healthy condition prior to the sedation.
- Your child must fast for 8 hours prior to the sedation appointment to limit any potential complications during the sedation procedure Any medication(s) that your child normally takes should be given at least two hours prior to the appointment with just enough water to wash the medication down.
- Dress your child in comfortable, light clothing on the day of the procedure. Please make sure children are not wearing jewelry and do not have ponytails or hair ties/clips that will prevent them from resting comfortably on the head rest.
- After your child is medicated, it is important that parents closely supervise their child so they don’t lose their balance and fall. Parents must stay in the office until treatment completion. We offer a comfortable, relaxing recovery room for our patients (see below).
Knowledge is power! What you should know about post-sedation and recovery:
Your child may experience some of the following symptoms after a sedation procedure:
01. Drowsiness
02. Dehydration
03. Nausea
04. Discomfort
After the appointment your child may still be a bit drowsy. We recommend that you continue to closely supervise your child for the next 24 hours. Patients may want to go to sleep when they get home. If they take a nap make sure they are positioned on their side in a safe area away from any heavy blankets or large pillows.
Hydration is important, so encourage your child to drink regularly after they arrive home. A soft bland diet is recommended. This includes no dairy products to help limit potential nausea.
It may be normal for the patient to have some nausea after their treatment. If your child vomits, position them on their side so they do not aspirate any stomach contents.
It may be normal for there to be some temporary oral discomfort following treatment. Most pain can be managed with children’s Ibuprofen. Sometimes patients may complain of discomfort immediately after treatment which most of the time is the effect of local anesthetic used to numb the teeth. This tends to wear off in 1-2 hours post treatment. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns following your child’s sedation procedure.